College Football Rankings After Rivalry Week: Ohio State Holds Firm, Chaos Brews Behind Them
Rivalry Week rarely disappoints, and this year was no exception. The regular season is in the books, and while some contenders solidified their playoff resumes, others stumbled at the worst possible time.
One thing is clear: Ohio State isn’t just the No. 1 team in the country-they’re playing like they know it. The Buckeyes dominated their biggest rival and head into the Big Ten Championship with a perfect record and a ton of momentum.
With conference championship games on deck, every snap matters now. It’s survive and advance season. Let’s break down Joel Klatt’s latest top-10 rankings and take a closer look at where things stand heading into the final weekend before the College Football Playoff field is set.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (Last Week: 10)
The Iron Bowl is always unpredictable, and Alabama knows that better than most. But this year’s edition didn’t offer any wild twists-just a flat performance from the Crimson Tide. Alabama looked pedestrian for long stretches, and now they’ll have to regroup quickly with Georgia looming in the SEC Championship.
The Tide already beat the Bulldogs once this season, but that was in Athens. Doing it again, this time with a conference title and playoff implications on the line, is a different kind of challenge.
And if Alabama loses? A three-loss team in the CFP is a tough sell, even for a program with their pedigree.
9. Oklahoma Sooners (Last Week: 9)
Oklahoma took care of business against LSU, though it wasn’t exactly a statement win. The Sooners’ defense continues to carry the load, and that unit deserves credit-it’s been consistent all year.
But the offense? Still searching for answers.
If Oklahoma wants to make any noise in the postseason, they’ll need more than just defensive grit. Right now, they’re winning ugly, and that might not be enough with the stakes about to skyrocket.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Last Week: 8)
Notre Dame wrapped up its regular season and is sitting in a strong position for a playoff spot. But the resume raises questions. The Irish dropped early games to Miami and Texas A&M, and since then, the schedule hasn’t exactly been a gauntlet.
Yes, they beat USC by 10, but that Trojans team has been up and down all year. Notre Dame might be in, but don’t be surprised if teams like Miami start making noise about being more deserving. The committee has a tough call to make here.
7. Texas A&M Aggies (Last Week: 4)
That one stings. Texas A&M’s loss to Texas not only ended their SEC title hopes-it also likely cost them a playoff berth. The Aggies had been trending in the wrong direction for weeks, and now it’s clear: they peaked too early.
There’s still a lot of talent on this roster, but momentum is everything this time of year, and the Aggies don’t have it. A disappointing end to what once looked like a special season.
6. Ole Miss Rebels (Last Week: 6)
Ole Miss got the Egg Bowl win, but the real headline came off the field. Lane Kiffin is gone, and his departure casts a shadow over what should be a celebration. The Rebels are 10-1 and heading to the playoff, but they’ll be doing it without their head coach.
The committee has to consider the full picture, and coaching changes matter-especially when the leader in question is as central to the team’s identity as Kiffin. The Rebels are in, but how far can they go without their architect?
5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Last Week: 6)
Texas Tech took care of business against West Virginia and now gets a rematch with BYU in the Big 12 Championship. The Red Raiders handled the Cougars easily just a few weeks ago, but beating the same team twice is never a given-especially on a neutral field with a title on the line.
This team is balanced, efficient, and quietly dangerous. If they win the Big 12, they’ll have a strong case for a top-four seed.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (Last Week: 3)
Georgia didn’t look like Georgia against Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs controlled most of the game but couldn’t put it away, and that lack of a finishing touch is a concern heading into the SEC Championship.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton has had his moments this season, but he’ll need to be sharper against Alabama. If the Bulldogs want to defend their SEC crown and lock in a playoff spot, they can’t afford another sluggish outing.
3. Oregon Ducks (Last Week: 4)
Oregon looked composed and in control against Washington. No fireworks, no drama-just clean, efficient football. Dante Moore continues to develop into a reliable playmaker, and the Ducks’ defense is among the best in the country.
Their only loss came at the hands of No. 2 Indiana, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Oregon is peaking at the right time, and they’re a legitimate threat to win it all. The only question now: what seed will they land?
2. Indiana Hoosiers (Last Week: 2)
Last year’s Cinderella is this year’s powerhouse. Indiana has gone from feel-good story to full-blown contender, and now they get their shot at the top dog.
The Hoosiers will face Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, and it’s the kind of matchup that could define both programs’ seasons. Indiana has been rock-solid all year, but the real test comes Saturday.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (Last Week: 1)
There’s no debate-Ohio State is the best team in the country. The Buckeyes faced early adversity against Michigan, falling behind 6-0, but they didn’t flinch. They responded like a championship team should: with poise, power, and a whole lot of points.
This team is deep, disciplined, and dangerous on both sides of the ball. Now they turn their attention to Indiana in the Big Ten title game. Win that, and the No. 1 seed is all but locked up.
Final Thoughts
The playoff picture is starting to take shape, but Championship Saturday will bring clarity-and probably a little chaos. Ohio State looks untouchable, but behind them?
It’s a logjam of teams with big wins, lingering questions, and something to prove. Buckle up.
The final sprint to the College Football Playoff is about to get wild.